• Ballauff, M.: Analysis of Polymer Colloids by Small-Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering: Contrast Variation. Advanced Engineering Materials 13 (2011), p. 793-802

10.1002/adem.201000303

Abstract:
We review recent work done on polymer colloids by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Special emphasis is laid on the variation of scattering contrast for both methods. The theory of contrast variation as applied to SAXS and SANS is presented. Different numerical approaches to the treatment of data are discussed. Applications of SAXS and SANS together with contrast variation to model systems are presented. This includes the analysis of an industrial system by using the example of semicrystalline colloid poly(urethane) particles. The examples given here demonstrate the power of contrast variation as applied to polymer colloids and in particular to latexes.